Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baldwin City, KS (2024 Update)
- Baldwin City Solar Installation Cost: $18,270
- 25-Year Savings: $29,666
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baldwin City
We go over average solar pricing in Baldwin City.
In Baldwin City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Baldwin City homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,270 with the federal tax credit, or $26,126 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Baldwin City homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Baldwin City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Baldwin City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,886 |
| 3 years | $-14,118 |
| 5 years | $-11,350 |
| 7 years | $-8,583 |
| 9 years | $-5,815 |
| 11 years | $-3,047 |
| 13 years | $-279 |
| 15 years | $2,489 |
| 17 years | $5,257 |
| 19 years | $8,024 |
| 21 years | $10,792 |
| 23 years | $13,560 |
| 25 years | $16,328 |
Top Solar Installers in Baldwin City
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Baldwin City, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Baldwin City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baldwin City
Although the average cost of a solar system in Baldwin City is $18,270, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,340.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Baldwin City, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Baldwin City homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Baldwin City, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.47 | $14,589 | $19,067 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $25,796 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $32,713 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $39,817 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $47,107 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $54,585 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $62,250 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $70,102 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Baldwin City, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Baldwin City?
The average cost of solar panels in Baldwin City is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Baldwin City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Baldwin City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.